"On March 24, 2026, YCAPS and KREAB Japan again teamed to offer the latest in the Indo-Pacific Policy Dialogue series. "Understanding Japan's Defense Industry Renaissance" brought together experts from the Japan Self-Defense Force, high-level government advisory councils, and industry to meet with representatives from Japanese and foreign industry, Japanese government, embassies, foreign military, academia, and media.
KREAB Japan Managing Partner Doi Masami opened the evening by placing the discussion in the context of the 2026 revision of the Japanese National Security Strategy. YCAPS moderator Jim Hartman noted changes since the 2022 revision of the 3 Strategic Documents, including three more years of war in Ukraine, a new administration in Washington, and conflict in the Middle East - developments that government and industry will need to account for.
Rear Admiral Hoshi Naoya, Director-General for Logistics at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Maritime Staff Office, led the panel with the "voice of the customer". Referencing revolutions in the production and employment of defense systems, he called on industry to embrace adaptation.
Professor Suzuki Kazuto of the Institute of Geoeconomics outlined advisory mechanisms for the Takaichi Cabinet, and how strategic planning for the defense industry is being aligned under four pillars. Like Admiral Hoshi, he sees a need for flexibility in addition to capacity. The government also needs to address barriers to innovation.
Mr. Matt Finkel, a Council on Foreign Relations-Hitachi Fellow hosted by YCAPS, recounted his months of conversations with industry and the Japanese government. Legacy policies fostered a Japanese industry with attributes that have served Japan well. However, his research aligns with Dr. Suzuki's insights regarding the need for a new defense industry ecosystem. Mr. Finkel also cited a need for more capital to be made available to Japanese innovators.
Mr. Rob Moss, General Manager for APAC at Nikon SLM, responded with a "voice from industry". Citing specific examples from his experience in both the military and industry, he conceded that sometimes companies' interests can thwart government initiatives. But he also urged the government to consider new funding models, calling on the government to itself embrace adaptation.
Audience members asked about the GCAP and MRJ programs, how to institutionalize adaptation and share requirements with start-ups and venture capital, Japanese entry into international competition, experimentation and simulation, how to create a sense of urgency during peacetime, how universities can contribute, and investment funding mechanisms.
YCAPS thanks KREAB Japan for its continued collaboration in producing professional development events such as this one."
